Bournemouth Ink - 29th and 30th July, 2010.

The buzz of the needle at every corner takes a bit of getting used to. At first it’s like a prominent tinnitus. Then after a while it becomes an accepted background noise. But then as you turn corners, weaving through the crowds of people, and catch the tiniest glimpse of a tattooist and their subject hard at work, or the folders of drawings and past proud efforts, the drone becomes an excitable prospect and more of a symbol of where the once taboo hobby sits in the world today.

I went to Bournemouth Ink last weekend with my Journo friend Joanna Stass. With every intention of getting inked myself, mind you. I didn’t. But I did meet some utterly fascinating people with their own unique experiences and relationships with the art. Tattooists who have dedicated 10 or 20 years to it. Ordinary people who have covered themselves in ink to stand out from the crowd or to embrace the idea that you can change your image, your confidence and catch the eye of a passersby.

When you see so many tattoos in one place and the pride strewn across the faces of their owners it really becomes apparent that tattooing has developed into something more than the ‘cutthroat industry’ that some tattooists speak of - an image that is certainly conjured in the minds of those who are ignorant and cynical of the two thousand year old tradition. Tattoos are traditionally associated with convicts, bikers and gang culture. But today individuals from all walks of life are delving into the world of tattoo for their own personal reasons. And it is humbling to meet so many of them who strike you as interesting, friendly and down to earth human beings who are simply making the most of what life has to offer. One man tells me the symbols on his arm represent his wife and children. To anyone who doesn’t know, it’s simply an intriguing pattern on his forearm. An apprentice tattooist tells us that the portrait of Steve Carell sits proudly on his thigh because he’s ‘a huge fan – it was an obvious choice.’ It makes everyone who walks by stop and gasp in awe. Whatever your reason for having a tattoo, nothing makes you more unique than sporting a drawing or script that you believe makes you different to everyone else and ultimately changes your life.

Tattooing is an art. Art is made to be flaunted and on display to the world and no one here is shy of the camera. I get grins and poses at every turn from both tattooists and tattooees and propositions to return later to see the finished piece. An elaborate puffin painting, a Spiderman still, a hyper realistic picture of glamour model Vikki Blows. Speaking to those receiving tattoos only accentuates the excitement that surrounds such a long term commitment and you can almost smell the pump of adrenaline.

The end of both nights brings a catwalk for ink. Cheers echo around the auditorium, a video camera projects the art on a screen as onlookers ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ and for a split second each individual - that adrenaline still pumping from the day’s inking – becomes the focus of every eye in the room. Pride. I have never before appreciated contemporary art so much and have never had such an adoration for the work an artist of this kind does. Local tattoo hero Steve A said to us: “I could pick any medium to do my art on but having human beings is the most beautiful thing. Everyone is different and everyone has a unique concept to work on.” The evidence stands on the stage before hundreds of applauding enthusiasts.













The art of tattoo is evolving with the birth of hyper-realism and graffiti culture. It brings the pictures artists draw to life and adds a pride that cannot be found in a piece of art that hangs in a gallery. For the tattooed it allows a flaunting of individualism and, during a weekend like this, allows those involved in the tradition to become a family.

I will never look at a tattoo in the same way again.

Watch the video for an insight into our experience at Bournemouth Ink 2010. We caught up with Legendary tattooists Dan Gold, Steve A and Phil Kyle and upcoming artist Rich Simmons, who works for urban designers Graffiti Kings.

Check out what happened when Jo met up with London Ink legend Dan Gold.

BINK in Pictures- The highlights of the weekend